PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Leaders of the House and Senate say votes could come as early as this evening on the deficit-cutting plan that’s expected to avert a government default on its debts. Some of them are sharing their thoughts on the plan. Mike Fitzpatrick, Rob Andrews Speak On Debt Reduction Plan

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, a Republican representing the 8th congressional district which includes Bucks County, says it’s been quite an experience.

“It was not an easy thing to watch,” Fitzpatrick said. “Democracy is a messy business, but in the end the system did work in as much everyone’s views were heard. I spent the weekend on the telephone with my constituents. My constituents wanted the matter resolved, but they also wanted to rein in out of control government spending. We were able to achieve both in this agreement. It’s a good resolution.”

Democratic Congressman Rob Andrews, who represents the first Congressional district in New Jersey which covers parts of Camden and Gloucester counties, is also satisfied.

“I think this deal is good for the country. I think that we can’t default on our debt,” he said. “We have to reduce our deficit. This does so in a way that does not cut Social Security or Medicare or Medicaid, so I’m for it and I think we need to do it.”

Andrews says a deal could have been done sooner but he understands why it took so long.

“When you have big issues at stake, you are going to have big disagreements. Democracy is sometimes ugly, but it’s better than all the other forms of government. And I do think that this result will make it more likely that employers will free up some of their cash and hire again.”

Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio 1060